Chemistry professor shaping nationwide policy on chemistry education

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January 06, 2017

Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Matthew Mio, was elected as a full member of the Society Committee on Education (SOCED) within the American Chemical Society (ACS), which supports the development and implementation of programs that bring the wonder, excitement, opportunities and challenges of modern chemical science.

“I am honored to be selected to be a part of this important work,” said Mio. “There are a number if major issues in modern chemical education, not the least of which is the increasing use of technology for instruction and the erosion of physical science training for medical professionals. For the most part, the topics and methods of chemical instruction have been stagnant for the last 50 years. I hope to be a part of the next big renaissance in chemistry pedagogy.”

Mio is no stranger to SOCED. He served as an associate or consultant writing science policy statements including how online lab experiences should not substitute for in-person lab training. In addition, he helped plan programming at national meetings for undergraduate ACS members.

“This is a big deal,” said Dr. Mark Benvenuto, Chemistry department chair. “Getting to be a member of SOCED is really tough. Matt did it.”

“I am also very proud to be a member of the Chemistry department at Detroit Mercy,” said Mio. “We [Chemistry faculty] take an active interest in the direction of our profession. Detroit Mercy is both well-known and well-respected by ACS.”